A brief workplace intervention for anxiety sensitivity aimed at reducing the risk of posttraumatic stress in first responders

Abstract

First responders are repeatedly exposed to trauma in the course of their work, increasing their vulnerability to posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Efforts to reduce the risk of PTSD could focus on individual factors that increase the risk for PTSD. Although many of these factors are immutable, others, such as high anxiety sensitivity (AS), can theoretically be targeted and fortified through intervention. The current study investigated the effectiveness of a brief (single session) cognitive behavioural therapy for AS intervention vs. a waitlist control in reducing AS, and subsequently mitigating PTSD and related mental health symptoms. Participants were 179 first responders from eight workplaces in Canada. The intervention was delivered remotely to these workplaces in a group format. Workplaces were randomly assigned to the intervention or waitlist control. Participants completed a self-report questionnaire pre-intervention, one-week post-intervention, and 8 months later (and at comparable time points in the control condition). Hierarchical linear regressions revealed that intervention conditions did not predict (a) AS during one-week follow-up or (b) PTSD and related symptoms during eight-month follow-up. Theoretical and clinical implications, including recommendations specific to interventions involving first responders, are discussed in detail.

Keywords: Anxiety sensitivity; CBT; first responders.